Read, Write, Give: Interview with Jessica (Jess Resides Here)

This week, Jessica of the book blog Jess Resides Here (aka Frellathon) is supporting the American Cancer Society. You can read more about them after her interview.

I’ve often said that book bloggers are the “Fairy Godmothers and Godfathers” of the literary world – and I really believe it.  Therefore, I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to interview some of these wonderful bloggers and shed a little light on why they undertake this epic labors of love!

This week’s interview is with Jessica, who runs the sharp and fun book blog Frellathon. Jessica also runs the website Bacon Porn with Kriss Morton, dedicated to all things bacon!

Interview with Jessica: Jess Resides Here

Could you please tell us about yourself?

Oh the hardest question. Well how about the basics? I’m a single white female 32 who likes books, bacon and as sexy and high a heeled shoe as I can get or afford as the case may be.

Could you please tell us why you started the site and how you’ve built your following? What other projects are you working on?

I started my blog not as a book review site it was mostly to vent some rage and frustration. My dad had died and it was where I went to bitch and complain. I’m actually kind of freaked out about those early posts but whatever it was a start. In time I added some reviews of things that were interesting to me and then books. Then even more books and somehow it ended up being almost exclusively books. I’m trying to keep the blog as the main focus but do blog on occasion at baconporn.org which I really need to do more. I have the blogs facebook page and twitter. I’m part of The Indie Exchange (formerly BBColl) which I also need to blog more on I have some ideas for posts that I just need the time and focus to sit down and write. I have triberr groups I’m in along with a ton of facebook groups where I get to know other bloggers and indie authors and small publishers. I don’t know how I’ve built the following I have all I know is I love blogging even though sometimes it’s overwhelming and takes over a huge part of my life. I’m grateful to all who visit and hope they enjoy just you know comment more people. Tell me what you like or don’t or want to see more of.

What’s the best book you’ve read this year? Why was it so good?

I went through my read list as this is a very hard one to answer, I’ve decided to go with The Infection by Craig DiLouie. It is a zombie horror read and while there are many books that one can call scary the reality is that there is no actual fear The Infection however is a terrifying book. Seriously it will scare the pants off you.

Your blog is also known as ‘Frellathon’. What does that mean or is it a secret?

It’s not a secret no but I’m embarrassed to share what it means. Frell will be familiar to sci-fi fans out there it comes from the TV show Farscape. Frell was their way of using the F word without using the F word. Just like Frak on Battlestar Galactica. I had thought of going by Frell-Frak but thought that may be too much lol It’s kind of embarrassing but I’m easily amused that way and the laugh I got from my mother when I told her and said you call yourself F#ck online? Hahaha thanks mother dearest. Glad I could give you a giggle.

How do you handle review requests? Do you have to refuse a lot of books? How do you pick?

Oh this is a hard one. I don’t want to turn anyone down and end up taking on more than I can handle and then get so behind. I have a reasonable stack of print books well sort of but my ebook list is crazy and I have the least amount of time to devote to my kindle. I go by feeling a lot. Do I think I would enjoy this. Most often I let two things decide. The cover and blurb. If those two things appeal and the length isn’t 500+ pages then I’ll go for it. When it comes to ebooks in particular the more manageable the length the better. Print I’m open but still prefer something reasonable the only ones I’ll go for that are super long are my own or library books on my own time. I don’t like to commit and then take longer it’s bad enough as is. I do refuse a lot, when I started I was excited when asked it was like winning the lottery and now I just feel bad I want to say yes but have to say no quite often a real shame as I was just asked to review a book and loved the sound of it but simply don’t have the time. I did add it to my TBR list and will hopefully get to it one day.

You review both self-published and traditionally published books. Do you find a difference in the quality?

Honestly there is almost no difference other than perceived views by some that self published is poor quality. I have read some mostly short stories that you can tell the author didn’t either have the talent they wished/thought they had or that it could have used a critical eye and been worked on and tweaked some more. There are only a couple instances though of this that I can think of. The vast majority of self published books I’ve read are as good if not in some cases even better than traditional published. I’ve read some where my first thought was why hasn’t some publisher picked this up, it’s great! One of the reasons I’m more focused on indie publishing now than when I started is that I’ve discovered so much great work and really those authors don’t have a marketing machine behind them. I am proud and honored to be the little engine that could if I can when I can.

Do you have a favorite genre? If so, what and why?

Oh no I can’t do that. One thing they say about book blogging is that you should focus on one genre. I am a rebel and don’t do this I like a lot of variety. It’s all about the mood I’m in but if I absolutely had to then I would say horror. Why? Mostly because I’ve found it to be a genre with a ton of authors who’s work I like and consistently have enjoyed.

You’ve got a lot of challenges going on at the moment. Do you think it helps you stay focussed?

Honestly no. I like doing them for personal satisfaction and fun but personal life, work and other things come into play and once I fall behind in the challenges I feel bad as I’m very determined to complete them when I start. I’m focused on the reading but everything else in life stands in my way. As is right now I’ll probably fail all my challenges. I hope to do better next year.

Please can you nominate a charity and tell us why you particularly support them?

My dad passed away almost 4 years ago. He suffered horribly from the scum that is cancer. Because of this the charity I’ve selected is the American Cancer Society in particular Colorectal Cancer research.

Is there anything else you would like to add? 

The best part of my blog and blogging is the friendships I’ve made. My online friends are some of the nicest, coolest, smartest most talented people. I’m glad that I have the blog because no matter what it was all worth it for the fantastic people I’ve met via that little spot on the net that’s all mine.

About Jessica

Jessica says: “I like reading and reviewing and my blog is a great way for me to get to know new people. Others who also love books and blogging as I do and authors who create the books I love.

When not reading I’m working or sleeping. Naps rule! I don’t watch tv seriously there is nothing on, the idiot box is appropriately named. Now more so then ever. Though House Hunters is fun to watch and that’s about it. I love music and movies no chick flicks! And I hate sparkly vampire boy. Where are you Blade when we need you?

I’m a rambler on the blog and in person though in person it takes a while for me to warm up. I’m a touch TMI okay a lot but I’m also a nice girl. Really. I pinkie swear it.”

Jessica’s post is in support of the American Cancer Society

Together with our millions of supporters, the American Cancer Society (ACS) saves lives and creates a world with less cancer and more birthdays by helping people stay well, helping people get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back.

The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the ACS has 12 chartered Divisions, more than 900 local offices nationwide, and a presence in more than 5,100 communities.

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